I intend on getting my nursing license in Maine, which is a compact licensure state. The application to attain licensure in Maine is online, I will need to provide a current photo (not a passport picture), a signature page, and supporting documentation from UNE stating that I have completed my education. A background check is required, as well as fingerprinting. I will need to sign up for a background check through the board of nursing, which will only be valid for 90 days. If I do not take or complete my NCLEX within those 90 days, I will have to retake the background check.

There are general protections for Maine nurses that struggle with substance misuse in their careers. The initial suspect of misuse will be investigated, and if it is found to be legitimate, the state can respond in one of four ways. The response depends in part on the severity of the violation itself, and in part on the responsibility taken by the nurse. The nurse can have a consent agreement with the state, voluntarily surrender their license to the state, go to court and have their license modified or nullified for renewal, or have the license revoked altogether. If a nurse suspects any diversion of medications or impairment, they are to report the suspicion to the nurse manager. Suspicious behavior includes always offering to witness a waste, pulling medications more frequently and wasting them, and working only on nights or weekends. These behaviors alone don’t warrant suspicion, but the culmination of them with other behaviors that could indicate impairment would be worth reporting. Nurses who struggle with substance use and/or misuse can seek help with the Maine Professionals Health Program, a group that works with medical professionals and helps them to reenter the medical world with support to prevent future instances of substance misuse.

I plan to protect myself and my license by documenting everything I do. Whether something is administered/performed or held/refused, I will clearly document what happens in a patient’s room. I will also be very clear in asking for a patient’s consent before touching them or administering medication. It was really significant when the comparison was brought up of allowing a patient the right to refuse lifesaving medicine, but not allowing them the right to not be changed at a particular time. Emphasizing autonomy in my practice and documenting what occurred in a patient’s room will preserve my license long-term.